The police are investigating allegations that Youtube cooking star, S. Pavithra was assaulted by husband M.Sugu, who has since been arrested.

According to sources, the incident occurred at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital on Tuesday, July 21.

“Pavithra was visiting a relative who was in labour.

“Her husband, who was said to be drunk, had a dispute with her and hit her,” said the source, adding the husband had brought a sickle to the hospital.

“The dispute is believed to be because Pavithra didn’t mention his name when receiving an award on Monday” he also said.

On Monday, July 20, Pavithra had received the title of “Ipoh City Icon” given to her by Ipoh mayor.

The exclusive title is given to individuals born and bred in Ipoh to honour their success. Michelle Yeoh had previously been awarded the title.

Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm, A. Asmadi Abdul Aziz confirmed the arrest and an investigation under Section 326 of the Penal Code for causing grievous harm with a weapon.

“We are currently investigating the case,” he said.

The man was also remanded for three days from today for a related investigation under Section 6 (1) of the Corrosive, Explosive and Dangerous Weapons Act 1953 for allegedly brandishing an edged weapon.

Pavithra and Sugu became YouTube sensations after they uploaded a series of her cooking, under the “Sugu Pavithra” channel during the MCO.

On July 9, the couple met Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who had gifted them a camera tripod, a microwave oven, a rice cooker and cooking utensils.

For some this piece of news comes as no surprise. For women with abusive spouses, their home is anything but a safe haven. The only reason this case is getting more publicity is because of the public and endearing profile of the victim, Pavithra.

Many other victims in similar circumstances go unheard of and ignored by the mainstream media and general public.

Statistically, According to the Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO), cases of physical and emotional abuse have increased since the enforcement of the MCO on March 18.

Shockingly, WAO received 234 calls and messages from women in distress during the third week of April, a four-fold increase compared to the average of 63 calls and messages it received on a weekly basis prior to the imposition of MCO.

“One victim sent a message via WAO’s WhatsApp helpline saying that she was very frightened as she was trapped at home with her husband who kept beating her and even tried to strangle her, ” said Tan.

Domestic violence and violence against women is a longstanding issue in Malaysia. Oh, did I mention the Parliament still have not tabled the Anti Sexual Harassment Bill. Pathetic, Malaysia does not care about its women, let us not pretend otherwise.